Bellamy to miss Baggies clash

Last updated : 05 May 2003 By Martyn Elliott

Had we still needed a point at West Brom next Sunday the club would have launched an appeal today, postponing any ban until next season.

But with third place in the bag next Sunday’s game represents a good opportunity to give a run out to Lomana LuaLua or Michael Chopra.

Sir Bobby told the club’s official website: "We'll have to look at the Bellamy situation now that we're in the Champions League.

"We're home and dry now, and it's a good opportunity for us to leave him out now. We're basically taking advantage of a flexibility of the law rather than breaking any laws.

"I've already spoken to Craig about it and I'll speak to the chairman as well, but it does make sense to be without him at the end of this season rather than at the start of next year.

"Had we needed a point next weekend then it may have been a different story, but the fact we've got no pressure on us means we can take advantage of that."